2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Buying a 2nd Gen - What do I look for?

[rvaughn801]

I found a 2002 I am interested in. I will get a closer look in the next few days, so I want to be ready. Here are some particulars:



1. 2500/Auto/2WD/Quad Cab/Long bed/185k miles

2. No modifications or pump tweaking that I know of.

3. Lift pump failed recently, taking the injector pump with it. The LP and IP were replaced, and a fuel pressure gauge installed.

4. Transmission controller failed recently (electrical part) and was replaced. The transmission has not been rebuilt.

5. Some dents and scrapes, bumper corner pushed in.

6. One owner, says it gets about 18MPG.



What I like:

1. LP and IP have been fixed.

2. Transmission has not been rebuilt (I have dreams of a Gorend transmission, lock up in 2-4th, and an exhaust brake).

3. 4 wheel disc brakes.

4. Miles are ok.



Questions:

1. How do I tell if it is the HO version?

2. Any particular things to look for under the hood, underneath or on a test drive?

3. Is there a way to check ball joints and front suspension in my driveway?

4. KBB lists the value at $11. 5k to $13k, depending on condition. Ebay has a few sales in the $9k - $11k range. Owner said he would like to get $12k for it. This seems high given the condition. Is there any real world data on sales?



Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[RColston]

SO if it is an auto in 02. Also can check the spec tag on the engine. Check tire wear for front end cond... unlesss it has new tires. Oil leaks... quality of the coolant... is the brake fluid relatively clear... . IMHO 01. 5... 02 is a good year.



Rick

 

[jeepit]

Rich, Did they put the intank LP pump in?

Ball joints-Jack front of truck up and use a pry bar under wheel to see if they are worn.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

what do look for?



a P7100 injection pump! :-laf

 

[FDavid]

what do look for?



a P7100 injection pump! :-laf

x2



BTW last week I sold my 98 12v 5spd 2500 quadcab 4x4 with 92k miles for $12k and it was immaculate. Look around, you'll probably find a better deal.

 

[JOdell]

Look under the doors for rust. I don't know if the 02's did it but my 01 is rusting out BAD. -Jason

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Rich I think the price is a little high. One thing to be aware of the '02s were sort of "stripper" trucks because Dodge started deleting a number of items that year, such as the rear cupholder, tailgate applique, underhood liner, stopped painting engine & radiator, etc. I also heard '02 was one of the worst years for IP failure, but if that's replaced that may be a non-issue. If you want a disc-brake truck find a '01. 5 since the early disc-brake trucks didn't have many of the items mentioned above deleted.

If you take it home jack up the front enough to get the tires off the ground then grab the top & bottom of the tire and rock it. Any popping or movement likely means ball joint trouble. Fortunately 2wd trucks have far fewer ball joint problems than the 4x4 trucks.

If that truck is loaded it may be worth $10-11k but sounds like about a $9k truck to me.

Vaughn

 

[rvaughn801]

$9k fits the budget better anyway. I need to get a deal if I am trading up, as my '89 has a few issues that will need to be fixed before it can be sold. After driving the '89 around, I am used to not having luxuries (like A/C). The '89 makes all the right sounds and smells, it just doesn't haul enough kids.



I will check all the things listed - ball joints, fluids, underbody, options and lift pump. And I can feel him out on price. I know he bought a Ford crew cab, so he probably could use the cash - for repairs!



Thanks for the help, I will post pictures when I get to look at it.

 

[Grizzly]

Check for a clean title and make sure it wasn't in the Katrina flood.